ExoticRx · exoticrx.com/drugs/sorbitol-cathartic
US brand names:Sorbitol 70%
Sorbitol (Cathartic) is dosed at 1–2 ml/kg PO Single dose only with first charcoal dose in dogs, per Brown AJ. Poisoning. Presented at: British Small Anim Vet Assoc (SAVA) 2014; 2014. — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.1195 (2026-08-01).. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
Non-absorbable sugar alcohol creating osmotic gradient in the intestinal lumen, drawing water and accelerating GI transit to enhance toxicant elimination.
Used with activated charcoal for decontamination (single dose only). Do NOT use with sodium polystyrene sulfonate (intestinal necrosis risk). Can cause severe diarrhea and dehydration.
Species references:All Cat (Domestic) drugsAll Dog (Domestic) drugs
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| Species | Route | Dose | Frequency | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dog (Domestic) | PO | 1–2 ml/kg | Single dose only with first charcoal dose | Moderate | Brown AJ. Poisoning. Presented at: British Small Anim Vet Assoc (SAVA) 2014; 2014. — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.1195 (2026-08-01). |
| Cat (Domestic) | PO | 0.5–1 ml/kg | Single dose only | Weak | Brown AJ. Poisoning. Presented at: British Small Anim Vet Assoc (SAVA) 2014; 2014. — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.1195 (2026-08-01). |
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View PlansSource citations and evidence levels available on the live page. Reference only — verify against current literature before clinical use.